The Catholic Church: Pillar and Bulwark of Truth

History will look back on the United States with scrutiny and the clarity that only time can provide. The injustice of slavery was righted with the blood of over 750,000. Things are not perfect in this regard but we learned and are slowly righting a wrong.

History will also judge America’s stand on abortion and with all my heart I believe a similar tide will turn. Actually, the tide is turning. The eventual victory will not be won in the courts of law but rather in the hearts of citizens.

Moral behavior can not be legislated externally, it must come from within. The true change in attitude that will eventually protect the innocent unborn must be forged with steadfast resolve and with compassion, mercy and love. Pope Francis’ recent comments on mercy and forgiveness are simple reminders of these obvious facts. I cherish the Catholic Church for it’s unwavering stand on the right to life for all.

When you stand tall, you are often the easiest target. That’s okay, unless you stand tall, your voice can not be heard. Like the soldiers at Gettysburg and Antietam there are inevitable causalities but slowly the word gets out and the truth prevails. Others begin to hear and recognize the heroes of the battle.

Here is a short video news clip [with some transcript below] recently aired on Fox news. The reporter is Charles Krauthammer, a non-practicing Jew, who recognizes the resolve of the Church in the battle to protect the unborn. His comments are in the context of the Pope’s recent decision to extend to priests the lifting of the sanction of excommunication that accompanies the sin of abortion.

In case you missed the language, here are excerpts:

“I think he’s done something wonder,” Krauthammer said … “All that the Pope is doing is extending that delegation of power a little bit lower down as a way to make it easier. I think it really is an act of mercy, and it shows the lack of vindictiveness of the Church imposing its will.”

“But nonetheless the will remains unchanged,” continued Krauthammer. “They’re absolutely rock-rib committed to the idea that this is a terrible thing to do, and it should not be done.”

“And I think years from now, and decades, people are going to look back on the issue and commend the Catholic Church for having held its own, very unpopularly, when there was this sweep and wave of legalizing abortion and to make it like an appendectomy; where the Church was the one institution that would not waver, despite the ridicule and the mockery and the attacks it suffered.

“I think our country will come to some accommodation ultimately, and we’ll thank the Church for holding up that end, and preventing sort of a radical legalization and radical widespread use of abortion.”

I for one would like to thank Mr. Krauthammer for saying what I have known but needed to hear again.

It’s tough in the trenches. The sounds of war can be deafening, tempting a weak soldier like me to lower his voice and drop his head just a little. But then I see the real heroes standing tall and shouting…

… and I stand proud with my Church, the pillar and bulwark of God’s truth.